Brisket, the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth wonder of barbecue, demands the perfect accompaniments to elevate its rich flavors.
As you prepare to indulge in this tender delight, imagine the tantalizing possibilities that await—from creamy coleslaw that brings a refreshing crunch, to mac & cheese oozing with decadent cheese.
Get ready to embark on a journey of savory side dishes that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
what to serve with brisket
When serving brisket, there are numerous side dishes that complement its rich flavor.
Some popular options include creamy coleslaw, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, and dinner rolls.
Other delicious choices include elote (Mexican street corn), grilled potato skins, and corn pudding.
For a lighter option, consider serving brisket with microwaved asparagus with lemon and pepper or browned butter, or spring carrots flavored with broth, vinegar, and brown sugar.
Ultimately, the choice of side dishes is subjective and can be tailored to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
Key Points:
- Popular side dishes for brisket include:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Scalloped potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls
- Other tasty options are:
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
- Grilled potato skins
- Corn pudding
- For a lighter choice, consider serving brisket with:
- Microwaved asparagus with lemon and pepper or browned butter
- Spring carrots flavored with broth, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- The choice of side dishes for brisket is subjective and can be tailored to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
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Pro Tips:
1. Did you know that the traditional side dish to serve with brisket in Texas is not just cornbread or coleslaw, but also a savory dish called pinto beans? These beans are usually cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, and various seasonings, creating a delicious complement to the rich flavors of the brisket.
2. If you’re looking for a tangy and refreshing accompaniment to your brisket, consider serving it with pickled watermelon rind. This Southern delicacy offers a unique blend of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors that beautifully balance the meat’s richness.
3. While most people associate potatoes as a typical side dish, in Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover, brisket is often served with a side of deliciously rich and caramelized sweet potato tzimmes. This traditional dish consists of slow-cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, and prunes in honey and spices, which pairs wonderfully with the tender brisket.
4. If you want to add a flavorful kick to your brisket meal, consider serving it with jalapeño cornbread. The spicy heat of the jalapeños complements the smoky meat flavors, and the sweetness of the cornbread provides a nice contrast to the overall richness of the dish.
5. For a unique twist, try serving your brisket with a side of braised cabbage and apples. This European-inspired dish combines the warmth of braised red cabbage with the natural sweetness of sautéed apples, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy companion to the savory brisket.
Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a classic and refreshing choice to pair with the rich flavors of brisket. The creamy dressing and crisp cabbage provide a nice contrast to the tender, smoky meat.
To make your coleslaw, start by shredding fresh cabbage and carrots. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and crunch.
For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss the dressing with the shredded vegetables until well coated.
Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve this creamy coleslaw alongside your mouthwatering brisket for a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
- Shred fresh cabbage and carrots
- Optional: Add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and crunch
“Creamy coleslaw is a classic and refreshing choice to pair with the rich flavors of brisket.”
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. The sweet and tangy flavors of the beans complement the savory and smoky qualities of the meat.
To make baked beans from scratch:
- Start by simmering dried navy beans until tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté onions and bacon until they become golden and crispy.
- Add molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and other seasonings to the pan.
- Stir in the cooked beans and transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake the beans in the oven for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
The result is a rich and flavorful companion to your tender brisket.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your brisket. Made with fresh corn kernels, milk, eggs, and a hint of sugar, this custard-like dish is creamy and comforting.
To make corn pudding, follow these simple steps:
- First, purée fresh corn kernels in a blender or food processor.
- Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Then, stir in the puréed corn and pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Finally, bake in the oven until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
The creamy texture and sweet taste of corn pudding perfectly complement the savory flavors of brisket.
In summary:
Corn pudding is a delightful side dish made with fresh corn kernels, milk, eggs, and a hint of sugar. It is creamy, comforting, and custard-like in texture. To make corn pudding, purée fresh corn kernels, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, flour, salt, and pepper, stir in the puréed corn, and bake until golden brown on top. The creamy and sweet corn pudding pairs well with the savory flavors of brisket.
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Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food and a perfect accompaniment to brisket. This creamy and cheesy potato dish provides a hearty and indulgent side to balance the smoky flavors of the meat.
To make scalloped potatoes, follow these steps:
- Thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Pour the sauce over the layered potatoes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
The velvety layers of potatoes and the rich cheese sauce are a delectable pairing for your brisket.
- Thinly slice potatoes and layer them
- Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux
- Gradually add milk and stir until thickened
- Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices
- Pour sauce over potatoes
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Bake until tender and golden
“The velvety layers of potatoes and the rich cheese sauce are a delectable pairing for your brisket.”
Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that never fails to please, especially when served alongside brisket. The creamy and cheesy pasta complements the smoky flavors of the meat, creating a match made in heaven.
To make homemade mac and cheese, start by cooking pasta until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, until melted and smooth.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. The gooey and comforting mac and cheese pairs exceptionally well with the savory brisket, making it an irresistible combination.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be a surprising and flavorful side dish to accompany brisket. These little green gems offer a fresh and delicious addition to your meal. To fully enjoy their taste, it is important to prepare Brussels sprouts properly. Begin by trimming the ends and cutting them in half. Then, coat them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender center. The roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the brisket, creating a delightful and satisfying contrast.
Grilled Potato Skins
Grilled potato skins are a traditional appetizer that can also serve as a fantastic side dish for brisket. They are crispy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor.
To make grilled potato skins, start by baking potatoes until tender. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. Brush the potato skins with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
Grill the skins over medium heat until they become crispy and golden brown. Serve them alongside your succulent brisket for a delightful combination of smoky flavors and crispy textures.
- Bake potatoes until tender
- Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and preferred spices
- Grill over medium heat until crispy and golden brown
“Grilled potato skins are a traditional appetizer that can also serve as a fantastic side dish for brisket.”
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that complements the smoky flavors of brisket. The natural sweetness and juicy kernels of fresh corn can balance out the richness of the meat, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
To prepare corn on the cob, follow these steps:
- Shuck the corn and remove the silk.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the corn to the boiling water.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender.
Serve the corn on the cob with butter and a sprinkle of salt, or experiment with different seasonings like chili powder or Parmesan cheese. The sweet and crisp corn kernels provide a refreshing contrast to the savory brisket.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with brisket. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then finished with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. The combination of smoky and charred corn, tangy and creamy sauce, and savory toppings creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. The richness and depth of the brisket are beautifully complemented by the bold and zesty elote, making it a winning combination for your meal.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are a simple and versatile side dish that can accompany nearly any hearty main course, including brisket. These soft and fluffy bread rolls are a perfect vessel for sopping up the savory juices from the meat or creating mini brisket sliders. While you can easily purchase pre-made dinner rolls from the store, making them from scratch can be a rewarding experience. Freshly baked rolls, warm from the oven, provide the perfect contrast to the tender and flavorful brisket. You can slather them with butter or use them to create mouthwatering brisket sandwiches. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, dinner rolls are a delicious and comforting addition to your brisket feast.
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You may need to know these questions about what to serve with brisket
What is traditionally served with brisket?
In addition to the mentioned traditional dishes, brisket is often served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture and rich flavor of the potatoes complement the tender and smoky taste of the brisket, creating a delightful combination. Another popular option to accompany brisket is a refreshing side of pickles and sauerkraut. The tanginess of the pickles and sauerkraut helps to balance the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
What side goes with brisket?
While smoked brisket can certainly stand on its own, there are several sides that pair perfectly with it. Classic options such as coleslaw, potato salad, and pickled red onions beautifully complement the rich, smoky flavors of the brisket. The refreshing crunch of coleslaw and the creaminess of potato salad provide a satisfying contrast to the meat, while the tangy sweetness of pickled red onions adds a burst of flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
What do Texans serve with brisket?
Texans often serve their succulent brisket with a delightful array of traditional side dishes. Alongside the smoky and tender meat, you might find a hearty helping of fried okra, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. Additionally, Texans commonly accompany their brisket with creamy mac’n cheese, perfectly balancing the rich flavors and adding a comforting element to the dish. These flavorful sides bring depth and variety to the meal, making it a true Texan experience.
In addition to fried okra and mac’n cheese, Texans also enjoy serving their mouthwatering brisket with classic favorites such as baked beans and collard greens. The smoky notes of the brisket beautifully complement the savory baked beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Furthermore, the addition of collard greens provides a refreshing and nutritious contrast, adding a touch of southern cuisine to the plate. Texans take pride in their dishes, and the combination of these sides with their delicious brisket is sure to satisfy any Texan’s appetite.
What not to do with brisket?
To achieve succulent and mouthwatering brisket, it is crucial to avoid certain missteps. Firstly, cooking the brisket at the wrong temperature can result in a tough and dry end product. It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure the brisket is tender and flavorful.
Additionally, using the wrong rub can also negatively impact the outcome of the brisket. A balanced and complementary rub can enhance the flavors of the meat, while an inappropriate one can overpower or clash with the natural taste of the brisket. It is important to choose a rub that complements the meat and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
Reference source
https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/side-dishes-brisket/
https://www.platingsandpairings.com/sides-for-brisket/
https://saltpepperskillet.com/recipes/brisket-sides/
https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/what-to-serve-with-brisket/